Clone of Lake Levels - Drawdown Schedule, Accomplishments, and Plans for Refilling the Lake

Lake Lure will begin refilling on 2/1/22!

Current Lake Levels

Last year a decision was made to lower the lake for a 5 month period in 2021-2022 for maintenance and dredging.  Our work has been completed strategically and efficiently allowing us to shorten this timeline.  We will begin refilling the Lake in stages, beginning on 2/1/22.  Some work must be completed at various levels as the Lake refills.  Note that the Lake will come up by approximately 6 feet over the first several weeks, depending on the weather.  We will hold at this level while some additional manholes are rehabilitated and then we will begin another phase of refilling the Lake. Please stay tuned here for updates as the Lake rises back up to full-pond.

Mayor Pritchett stated, "We’re trying to be as efficient as we can while the Lake is down. It is always our goal to end the drawdown before the season begins in spring. This schedule initially projected the Lake being drawn down about 5 months and this had to happen to begin to accomplish the sewer, dredging, and Dam projects. We ask for indulgence and support and will give the schedule as soon as we can each year. There is always a chance for an emergency drawdown throughout the year as well. We want to make sure we can generate as much as we can and juggle that with the Lake going up and down. We don’t have a lot of latitude in making these decisions."

NOTE TO CONTRACTORS AND LAKEFRONT PROPERTY OWNERS: To provide operational flexibility and preserve the option to refill Lake Lure at the earliest opportunity after the winter drawdown, all work on projects below the normal full pond level of the lake must be completed or work ceased by 1/31/22.

The following projects have been completed during the drawdown:

1) Development of a new seawall for the Lake Lure Gazebo: Completed

2) New Boat Ramp in Pool Creek Picnic Park, across from the ABC Store: Completed

3) Rehabilitating manholes to reduce lake water infiltration: 38 manholes have been rehabilitated as of 1/29/22.  An additional 12 manholes will be rehabilitated once the Lake is up by 6 feet.

4) Data collection/visual inspection of tge work area for the Phase 1 of the Sewer System by the Design-Build Team:Completed

5) Conducting inspections of lake structures while they are accessible from dry ground (including docks, piers, boathouses, floating platforms and seawalls): Completed

6) Identifying lake structures requiring modifications necessary for the Phase I Sewer System project *: In progress

7) Installing two manholes in Morse Park to enable access and inspection of the existing system: In progress

8) Completing a hydroelectric plant penstock warranty inspection: Completed successfully

* NOTE: The lake is owned by the Town and by Town Ordinance, lake structure property owners are responsible for maintaining their structures in good repair and without hazardous conditions.

It is uncertain if the lake will have to be lowered each year, but it is likely given the projects that are underway.  This scope and drawdown duration determination will be made each year and announced as soon as possible.